What is Occupational Hygiene?
Controlling Chronic Exposures and Preventing Occupational Disease
Occupational hygiene, sometimes referred to as industrial hygiene, is a discipline that focuses on controlling chronic (i.e., long-term or continuous) exposures to workplace hazards and preventing the development of occupational disease (i.e., health conditions with a gradual onset). This is achieved through the anticipation, identification, evaluation, and control of these hazards.
Occupational hygiene forms an important component in the BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations as well as WorkSafeBC inspection initiatives.
Occupational hygienists typically need to have a good understanding of the basic sciences and apply this understanding to evaluate the operational workflows and potential hazards in the workplace. In Canada, the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists grants the Registered Occupational Hygienist® designation, which is attained through formal education and rigorous examination.
